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East Bengal have officially announced the signings of Republic of Ireland midfielder Anthony Pilkington and Welsh striker Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway for the upcoming 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Pilkington expressed his delight on joining the Red and Golds as he said, “SC East Bengal is one of the most followed clubs in India, and to don their shirt in the ISL is a matter of pride. I know expectations are always sky high when you are playing for SC East Bengal and I am ready to face the challenge head-on. I am looking forward to working with the gaffer and I believe we have the squad to fight for the title.”

The 32-year-old midfielder has a vast experience of playing in England and Wales and has represented some of the top clubs, namely, Norwich City, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic. He has also played in the Premier League from 2011 to 2014 while being at Norwich.

Pilkington had made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2014 and has since then made nine appearances scoring one goal.

Welsh forward Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway followed coach Robbie Fowler from Brisbane Roar to East Bengal this season.

On joining the Kolkata giants, Amadi-Holloway said, “I am excited to play in India and for SC East Bengal. The club is steeped in history and that what excites me most is their passionate fans. This season, we would have to play in front of empty stands but I can't wait to play at home with the stadium packed to the rafters.”

The 27-year-old striker has played for League one and Championship sides Bristol City, Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town in the past. He has also represented his country at the youth level.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says victory in Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final clash against Maritzburg United will be “proof” from his charges of their hard work in training.

It will be the coach’s first competitive match as Chiefs coach after being appointed in September.

Having worked with Chiefs players for almost three weeks now, Hunt is satisfied with the work ethic shown by his men, something he says is the recipe for victory against Maritzburg.

“Chiefs did very well last year and were very unfortunate. So we’ll try and work with that and hopefully, the ruling will be made sooner rather than later‚” Hunt told the media as per Sowetan Live.

“There’s not really much I can say about the whole thing. The players have been very committed in training. But the proof will be on Sunday and see how [it goes]. The coach has declared that given their preparations for Sunday’s match, there will e no excuses for a negative result.

“I’ve only been here two-and-a-half weeks‚ and we did miss a week because the players had a break. But no excuses.

“The good thing is I know the players‚ I know what we’re facing and what we’ve got in the squad. So I have to work around that‚ and there are quite a few good young players here who certainly will get their chance.

“But [on older players] I always say that if you’re good enough and can still do the job it doesn’t matter what your age is. But we have to balance the two [youth and age] because of the situation at the football club.

“I’m very confident in the players who we have got. Some you mention as ‘old players’. But‚ ja‚ they’ve done well‚ they’ve worked hard and I’m sure they’ve got a lot to prove as well going forward.”

Hunt arrived at Chiefs to find a Fifa player transfer ban sanctioned against the club, a scenario which has tied his hands in the transfer market.

But the former Bidvest Wits duo of Phathutshedzo Nange and Sifiso Hlanti are training with the Soweto giants in the hope of being signed if Chiefs’ appeal against the transfer an is successful.

“It’s very difficult to try and sign players and promise them that the ban will be lifted‚” said Hunt.

“If you look at the flip side of it‚ I think it’s important that a lot of the players who were here last year can prove again that they can do it. And that’s a great opportunity.

“Because it’s exactly the same squad – there’s nobody new or who’s gone out. On signing of players‚ it’s at an administration level and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Chiefs’ MTN8 bid is a continuation for their search for a first trophy since winning the 2015 Premier Soccer League title.

Rangers won a second straight Old Firm derby and moved four points ahead of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership as an unlikely double from Connor Goldson secured a 2-0 victory.

Defender Goldson struck in the ninth minute and added another after the break on Saturday as Steven Gerrard's men made it two straight away league wins over Celtic for the first time in 23 years.

Celtic were without key players like striker Odsonne Edouard but few would have expected Neil Lennon's team not to register a shot on target or have a second-half attempt of any nature until the 85th minute in a miserable outing.

Rangers now hold a decent lead over their fierce rivals at the summit and, while Celtic still have a game in hand, Gerrard can reflect on a positive first quarter of the 2020-21 season.

It was a dream start for Rangers when James Tavernier curled in a free-kick from the right and Goldson glanced a header into the far corner from six yards, with goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas unable to keep it out.

Celtic struggled to create many chances of note in the first half but they should have been level soon after the Rangers opener.

Mohamed Elyounoussi capitalised on mistake by Goldson under a long ball, only to send his attempt over the bar from a great opening as he attempted to lob Allan McGregor.

Having made a superb start to the first half, Rangers also struck nine minutes into the second.

Scott Arfield's deflected cross found its way to Goldson, and while the centre-back's initial effort was blocked by Shane Duffy, he composed himself to stab in a shot at the second attempt.

Celtic threw on Albian Ajeti, Leigh Griffiths and Tom Rogic from the bench but barely troubled a Rangers backline that has only conceded three goals in 11 games.

What does it mean? Sorry Celtic miss big names

Edouard, Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed were all out due to positive coronavirus tests on international duty, while Ryan Christie is in quarantine.

Celtic clearly missed those regulars but their supporters would have been fuming at the lack of an attacking response after falling behind early on, the team too often passing it around with a lack of urgency, creating little despite having 56.5 per cent of the ball.

Having also won at Celtic Park in December – their first Old Firm win since 2010 – Gerrard now has two straight derby successes and the title race looks destined to go the distance as Rangers bid to prevent 10 in a row.

Goldson golden for Rangers

Few would have tipped Goldson to be the match-winner, but he produced a memorable performance, scoring twice from three attempts, creating a chance as well as registering seven clearances and two blocks – both tied for game highs.

He is a crucial part of a Rangers defence that is performing superbly at home and in Europe.

Celtic offer no threat

Patryk Klimala failed to produce a shot or create a chance in 67 minutes on the pitch and Elyounoussi squandered their only big chance of the game, while not registering a key pass.

But the blame also has to go to the Celtic midfield, with Callum McGregor the only starter to create an opportunity - and even he only managed one.

What’s next?

Celtic must respond when they host Milan in a huge Europa League group-stage game on Thursday, while Rangers are away to Standard Liege.

Liverpool were controversially denied a Merseyside derby victory as Jordan Henderson saw a late winner ruled out by VAR in a 2-2 draw with 10-man Everton. 

Premier League leaders Everton twice came from behind to level in an absorbing contest at Goodison Park. 

Michael Keane cancelled out Sadio Mane's third-minute opener and Dominic Calvert-Lewin did the same after Mohamed Salah scored his 100th goal for Liverpool. 

Richarlison was sent off for a rash challenge on Thiago Alcantara and that indiscretion looked to have been doubly punished in injury time by Henderson, only for VAR to intervene and keep Everton three points ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Liverpool needed only two minutes and 15 seconds to break the deadlock as a well-worked move saw the ball shifted out to Andy Robertson, whose low left-wing cross was side-footed into the roof of the net by Mane. 

Everton were then extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty and go down to 10 men. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford clattered into Virgil van Dijk after Fabinho lofted the ball back into the box from a corner and was rescued by the offside flag against the Liverpool centre-back. 

Van Dijk subsequently limped off to be replaced by Joe Gomez, and his absence proved key as Keane rose highest to meet a corner from James Rodriguez and powerfully head home the equaliser. 

Liverpool continued to dominate the midfield and look the more dangerous, however, with Trent Alexander-Arnold's curling free-kick drawing a diving save from Pickford before Mane spurned a gilt-edged chance after more impressive work from Robertson. 

Only the woodwork prevented Richarlison from completing the turnaround after the restart, his header clattering off the far post after a wonderful deep right-wing cross from James. 

The hosts were left to rue that miss as a poor clearance from Yerry Mina presented the ball to Salah, who lashed a first-time effort beyond Pickford. 

Pickford had to be at his best to prevent Joel Matip and Salah from extending Liverpool's lead, which was erased when Digne lofted a superb cross for Calvert-Lewin to head into the bottom-left corner. 

Pickford denied Mane, who then headed Diogo Jota's rebound wide, but Liverpool's hopes were boosted by Richarlison's ill-advised tackle on Thiago. 

Henderson appeared to have decisively captialised on Liverpool's numerical advantage when Pickford inexplicably failed to keep his tame close-range effort out, but VAR adjudged Mane to have strayed marginally offside as he latched on to Thiago's telling ball down the left. 

What does it mean? VAR ensures another weekend at the summit for Everton 

A point ensures Everton cannot be caught this weekend and will remain at the top of the league regardless of other results. Carlo Ancelotti's men have the technology to thank for that, with Mane having initially appeared in line with the defence to the naked eye. 

Calvert-Lewin's historic run 

His excellent header was emblematic of a player in peak form and Calvert-Lewin has now scored in each of Everton's first five league games this season, becoming the first Toffees player to achieve that feat since Tommy Lawton in 1938-39. 

Pickford shows his best and worst 

England goalkeeper Pickford made six saves and was key to preventing Liverpool from making it 3-1, but he was lucky to be on the field following his challenge on Van Dijk and were it not for VAR he would have been reflecting on another costly error in the derby. It was kind of the performance that sums up why his place as England number one is under threat. 

Key Opta Facts 

- Salah's goal was his 100th for Liverpool in all competitions, in his 159th game for the club – only Roger Hunt (144) and Jack Parkinson (153) have reached the milestone in fewer appearances for the Reds. 
- Calvert-Lewin is just the fourth player to score in each of his side's first five Premier League games in a season, after Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal, 2004-05), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, 2011-12) and Sergio Aguero (Manchester City, 2019-20). 
- Liverpool have conceded 13 goals in their five Premier League games this season – they conceded as many after 15 matches last season. Indeed, 13 goals is the most they have shipped after five league games since 1953-54 (also 13). 
- Everton versus Liverpool has seen more red cards than any other fixture in Premier League history (22), with the Toffees' 15 in this fixture also a record for one side against another in the competition. 

What's next? 

Liverpool start their quest to regain the Champions League when they visit Ajax on Wednesday, before welcoming Sheffield United to Anfield on Saturday. Everton visit Southampton a day later. 

Sofapaka FC president Elly Kalekwa has hinted the former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions are still in the market for one more player before concluding their business.

The 2009 league winners have so far signed eight players in the current transfer window - Lawrence Juma from Gor Mahia, former KCB defender Michael Kibwage, veteran striker Paul Kiongera, Former APR Rwanda captain Isaac Mitima, Nigerian Michael Karamor, Michael Bodo, Roy Okal, and Kevin Omondi.

"We have done most of the business in the current transfer window and we are almost there," Kalekwa told Goal on Saturday.

"But we are in the market for one more player; a defensive midfielder to help balance our team. Once we manage to get him, we will be done.

"Of course we have identified our target and we are negotiating, hoping to bring him on board. But if it does not happen, I think we can still do with what we have."

But is the team now ready to challenge for the Kenyan KPL title? 

"I hope we are ready, it is the reason why we have signed quality players," Kalekwa continued.

"However, sometimes you might do everything thinking you are ready then when the season starts, we see different things. So we just pray to God to help us realize our targets."

Kalekwa's sentiments come a few hours after AFC Leopards legend Charles Okwemba stated there are no guarantees the Nairobi-based's signings will perform well after making what seem like good signings.

"Sofapaka have made good signings, interesting ones for that matter," Okwemba told Goal on Saturday.

"But, it will not be a guarantee that they will hit the ground running instantly, or whether they will challenge for top honours. Sometimes football is unpredictable and you may think you are predictable but end up struggling. 

"Having stars does not guarantee immediate success.

"However, to be honest, they have done well in the transfer window."

The 2008 National Super League (NSL) champions will be up against Gor Mahia on December 9 and it would be an opportunity for them to halt what has become a poor record against the champions.    

Liverpool were denied a dramatic winner in an action-packed Merseyside derby with Everton as the intervention of VAR saw a stoppage-time effort from Jordan Henderson ruled out.

Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead on two occasions at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Sadio Mane recorded the Reds’ fastest Premier League goal in a Merseyside derby, only to see that effort cancelled out by Michael Keane. Mohamed Salah’s 100th goal for the club had Liverpool back in front, but the Toffees hit back again through the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The reigning champions thought they had snatched all three points in the closing stages, with club captain Henderson turning a close-range effort past a despairing Jordan Pickford, who got his hands to the effort but could not keep it out.

Ecstasy turned to agony, though, during the standard review process that follows every goal.

According to those making VAR calls at Stockley Park, Sadio Mane had strayed offside by the narrowest of margins.

With a big decision having so much riding on it, technology was once again the subject of much of post-match discussion after the final whistle blew.

Liverpool will be pleased with the response they offered to the 7-2 defeat suffered at Aston Villa in their last Premier League outing, but can feel aggrieved at having missed out on a morale-boosting success.

Everton, meanwhile, have seen their 100 per cent start to the season ended, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side have shown once again that they can go toe-to-toe with the very best in the business and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2020-21.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mosa Lebusa has boasted that the Tshwane giants’ "quality" can deliver them the MTN8 title if they beat Bloemfontein Celtic in Sunday’s quarter-final match at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Masandawana welcome the Free State side as they bid for a trophy that they have struggled to win.

For all their dominance on the domestic football scene, enjoying success especially under former coach Pitso Mosimane, Sundowns have failed to win the MTN8 trophy since 2007.

But Lebusa feels that passing the Celtic hurdle could be the right tonic that can push them to win the Cup this time around.

“Ever since I joined the team, whenever we play the MTN 8, I know that the guys want to win this trophy,” Lebusa was quoted as saying by the Sundowns website.

“It has been a while since we last won it. It has been more than ten years and I think that we have been unlucky because we are so desperate to win it. We have to be calm and give our best.”

Lebusa is a previous winner of the MTN8 after claiming it with his former club Cape Town Spurs in 2015.

“I have won the trophy and one thing about this competition is that it has a very short format, once you win the opening game, you are already in the semi-finals,” Lebusa said.

“With the quality that we have in the team once we get through the first round, who knows, we might win the Cup. We are going to do our best to make sure that we fight and bring the Cup home! It all starts this weekend in our clash against Bloemfontein Celtic.”

Sunday’s match will showcase the capabilities of Sundowns technical bench made up of co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena, as well as senior coach Steve Komphela.

Much expectation is on the trio continue from where Mosimane left off after the club won a treble last season.

With continental competition coming up in midweek after Matchday 6, La Liga has scheduled Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla to play on Saturday, October 17th in order to give these sides maximum rest time before their European clashes.

Six more matches follow on Sunday October 18th, including one of the most intriguing derbies in Spanish football.

It all gets underway at 13:00 on Saturday with Andalusian rivals Granada vs Sevilla facing off, a clash between last season’s seventh-placed and fourth-placed sides. It promises to be competitive, just as it was last season when Julen Lopetegui’s team returned to Seville with a hard-fought 1-0 win. This match also sees Sevilla’s Carlos Fernández return to Los Carmenes after impressing so much last season while on loan at Granada.

Next up is Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid, with Atleti looking to get their season back on track. Following a huge 6-1 win over Granada in their first match, they were later held to goalless draws by Huesca and by Villarreal. Diego Simeone’s side will be desperate to pick up the three points in Vigo, but they’ll also know they’ve not won in the Galician city on either of their previous two visits.

On Saturday evening, Real Madrid host Cadiz in the top division for the first time since 2006. This became a classic fixture during the 1980s and it’ll bring back fond memories for many fans as it returns to our screens for the first time in over a decade. The match at the Alfredo Di Stefano also promises to be a very special fixture for the Fernández family: Alex Fernandez is set to start for Cadiz while his brother Nacho Fernandez could play at right-back for the reigning champions in place of the injured Dani Carvajal.

Saturday night sees Barcelona visit Getafe. Or should that be Fe CF? The Azulones are temporarily changing their name to Fe CF – ‘Fe’ being the Spanish word for ‘Faith’ – in a gesture of solidarity with those who have suffered so much during the coronavirus pandemic. The side from the capital would love for nothing more than to mark this special occasion with a win over Barca, which would be their first since 2011.

Six more matches come on Sunday, the first of which sees Osasuna make the short trip to Ipurua to take on Eibar. These are two teams made up with the perfect mix of tough battlers and technical talents and a fascinating duel is expected in this Sunday lunchtime matchup. After that, LaLiga Santander is staying in the Basque Country for Athletic Club vs Levante, a match between two teams who surprisingly come into Matchday 6 in the relegation zone. It’s still very early, but neither club will want to stay near the bottom for much longer.

At 16:00 on Sunday afternoon, there’s a Valencian Community derby as Villarreal host Valencia. This fixture always creates headlines and that’ll certainly be the case this year as the Yellow Submarine’s Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin go up against the club they left just a couple of months ago, while new Villarreal coach Unai Emery will also be taking on his former club.

Sunday evening sees two 18:30 games which could have huge implications for the relegation battle come the end of the season. Deportivo Alaves will host Elche and Huesca will welcome Real Valladolid to the Pyranees region, with these four sides all currently in the bottom six along with Athletic and Levante.

Sunday night then presents a can’t-miss clash between two of La Liga Santander’s most entertaining sides, Real Betis and Real Sociedad, at the Benito Villamarin. These are two of the most exciting teams in the division, boasting two of the most talented squads outside of the Champions League clubs, and two World Cup winners – Betis’ Nabil Fekir and La Real’s David Silva will be pulling the strings.

All in all, it promises to be an action-packed weekend of football from start to finish, the perfect way to return from this month’s international break.

Watch La Liga Santander live this weekend on SuperSport La Liga.

Uganda Premier League side Busoga United FC will use Kakindu stadium for their 2020/21 season home games.

The club will use the Kakindu Stadium as they have confirmed their departure from the Mighty Arena in Jinja which acted as their home ground last season.

“We are so proud to be associated with Jinja SS and are hugely indebted to the new school management and board of governors for the exorbitant contribution being offered to the club. We are so much obliged,” a press release by Busoga United read.

“The decision has been reached after making an in-depth analysis and undertaking numerous consultative meetings.

“To the management of Kakindu Stadium, we are honoured to have received a positive response on such short notice. We anticipate a very cordial relationship with you throughout our seasonal [one year] stay at your facility.” 

Busoga United pointed out that the coronavirus is one of the reasons that forced them to leave the Jinja facility, they, however, did not confirm whether they are still associated with the Jinja Secondary School that acted as their feeder team.

“This decision was made due to unavoidable circumstances resultant of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic which led to the premature termination of the 2019/20 season,” the presser added.

“Its persistence is responsible for the unprecedented delay to the start of 2019/20 season.”

The club, which finished fourth last season, also remained hopeful they will continue to enjoy external support as they did in the previous campaigns.

“To our club stakeholders especially from the external wings; fans, well-wishers, sponsors, partners and the general public, we are banking on your usual overwhelming moral and financial support,” the statement concluded.

“We shall miss our fans when the season kicks off at our new stadium but still remain optimistic that sooner than the government of Uganda through Fufa shall reinstate the status quo and we can’t wait to have you fill the magnificent stadium in support of your dear club.”

Busoga United are making a return to Kakindu Stadium where they last hosted matches in 2017 before they moved to Kyabazinga Stadium. The Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru has also acted as their home ground before.

European club football returns this weekend after the international break and in the Italian Serie A, the drama returns with the Derby di Milano as Inter Milan host AC Milan.

While it is fair to say the two Milan city rivals have so far started the season well, showing strong signs of having their gaze on the Serie A title, coronavirus has not been fair to the Milanese clubs.
 

The pandemic has limited Antonio Conte’s starting line-up selection for the highly anticipated Derby as they will be full-back Ashley Young, Ionut Radu, Radja Nainggolan, Roberto Gagliardini, Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni who have all tested positive for the virus.

Midfielder Matias Vecino is also out with an injury, while Stefano Sensi is still on suspension. Nevertheless, the presence of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez is expected to inspire the team.

On the other side, Milan will be without Matteo Gabbia and Leo Duarte who are Covid-19 positive while Ante Rebic and Mateo Musacchio are out due to several degrees of injuries.

Even at that, that can rely on ageless Ibrahimovic - the oldest player in Serie A history to reach double figures of goals within six months. All eyes will be on him to help Stefano Pioli’s team to their fourth straight league win in the 2020-21 campaign.

While Pioli’s squad boasts of a three-match winning streak since the commencement of the new season, Inter on their own part boast of two wins and a draw from their first three Serie A matches, and are pundits’ favourites to reign supreme after 90 minutes.

In 34 previous encounters between the two Milanese clubs, Inter have won 18, lost 10 and drawn six. In their last encounter, a few months ago, Inter beat Milan 4-2.

Pundits claim Inter that have dominated the Derby di Milano in recent times, are likely going to edge past the resurgent Milan in the highly anticipated derby but by a very narrow margin.
 

The Derby di Milano is one of the fierce football matches in Italy with a huge bearing on the Serie A title race. And we know you won't like to miss a moment of the action. Watch all the exciting games this season live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has welcomed the signing of Edinson Cavani and he thinks that it will help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to overcome a poor start to the season.

Saha knows what it takes to lead the line at Old Trafford having done so in teams that won the Premier League and Champions League during his four-year spell at the club.

However, there was a sense of disappointment among many when United signed Cavani on a free transfer before the transfer window closed instead of long-term target Jadon Sancho.

Still, having watched French football closely, Saha is backing the 33-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain forward to help lift Solskjaer's struggling side.

"Yes, I was really excited about this signing," Saha told Goal . "I wished he joined last year, I have followed him since he played at Napoli, I am a Parisian so I have seen most of his 200 goals. He is considered to be a legend over there.

"At the same time, he is a guarantee. Cavani gives you a certain performance through his running, ability to cause stress to defenders, lead from the front and score goals. That can only be good."

Ahead of the international break, United lost 6-1 at home to Jose Mourinho's Tottenham to make it two defeats in their opening three Premier League games.

That has led to Solskjaer's position to come under the spotlight for the first time but Saha thinks it is too early to judge the United boss and is backing the underlying quality of the squad to come good.

"Definitely last season, we saw a better side to Manchester United than now," he added. "Especially when Bruno Fernandes joined, I think that helped players like Paul Pogba to feel more of a buzz, sense of excitement and it helped to lift everyone at the club.

"This season, they haven't started well and it can happen at any club. For a manager like Ole, maybe a lack of experience and credentials, he will be asked to be more backed in some way. When they play average football, that lack of experience will be immediately criticised and it loses sight of what he did before.

"I think they do still have the chance to remain up there. It is only two poor results and I am not unrealistic just because this is the club I support. I believe in the quality of the squad. Still, the reaction shows you how quickly opinions can change."

United return after the international break with an away trip to Newcastle on Saturday before playing matches against Cavani's former club PSG in the Champions League and then Chelsea in the Premier League.

The BT Sport Monthly Pass lets you watch BT Sport for a simple monthly fee of £25 with no contract. Customers can watch all BT Sport Premier League fixtures for the next 30 days including Everton vs Liverpool from 11.30am on Saturday 17th October. For more info visit  bt.com/monthlypass

Uganda U17 Women's National Team coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has on Saturday morning rejoined the team after recovering from Covid-19.

The youthful tactician has been under medication since October 18 after being proven he had contracted the virus. However, about two weeks later, the tactician is back and ready to continue with his duties.

"Having been tested positive for Covid-19 and went into self-isolation with the guidance of the medics, I have now fully recovered and proven negative after undergoing further tests," Khalifa said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"I have now been cleared to continue with my daily chores. I will rejoin the National U17 Women Camp preparing for the Fifa World Cup U17 qualifier against Cameroon."  

The tactician has expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for ensuring the team is preparing well for the qualifiers despite his absence.

"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the medical team, president of Fufa Eng. Moses Magogo, my family and friends who have supported me during these trying times," Khalifa added.

"My gratitude also goes out to the technical staff and officials that have been handling the team in my absence.  

"I look forward to seeing the entire team again on Saturday 17th October 2020 in camp."

Uganda eliminated Ethiopia and Tanzania to set a date with Cameroon. 

The aggregate winner will play in the finals to be held in India. The first leg will be played on October 30 with the second leg after a fortnight.  

Goalkeepers: Daphine Nyayenga (Uganda Martyrs High School), Joan Namusisi (Isra Soccer Academy), Zulaika Ngamita (Asubo Gafford Ladies) 

Defenders: Grace Aluka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Sumaya Komuntale (Tooro Queens), Bira Naddunga (Olila High School), Gillian Akadinda (Olila High School), Gloria Namugerwa (Uganda Martyrs High School), Stella Musubuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Patricia Akiror (Ajax Queens FC) 

Midfielders: Winnifred Kwatulira (Jinja United FC), Devine Mirembe (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Shamira Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Shakira Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School), Moreen Nangonzi (Ajax Queens FC), Ruth Nyakato (Tooro Queens FC), Sumaya Kyomuhendo (Isra Soccer Academy), Sumaya Tibazalika (Wakiso) 

Forwards: Juliet Nalukenge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Zaina Nandede (She Kataka FC), Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijjah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Zaitun Namaganda (Taggy High School), Eva Nagayi (Rines WFC) Kamuyati Naigaga (Taggy High School), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs High School)  

Former Tottenham star Glenn Hoddle believes that Gareth Bale will excel in his second spell at Spurs due to his creativity, rather than the pace and power that was once the hallmark of his game.

Bale has struggled for competitive minutes in recent months, having fallen dramatically out of favour at Real Madrid before instigating a move back to the London side during the summer.

The Wales international has yet to feature for Jose Mourinho’s men, but when he does, Hoddle believes that he can be a tremendous asset to the team and to striker Harry Kane.

“Gareth might not be that box-to-box player he was five or six years ago, when he was all about using his pace,” Hoddle said on the Glenn Hoddle Footy Show podcast. 

“Now, he might be as much a creator if he is played deeper or drops deeper, much the way that Harry Kane did when he provided all four goals for Son Heung-Min at Southampton recently. I can see Bale doing that for Kane.

“I think Bale has the sensational ability to pass, he’s not just a ‘runner’ at defenders, I can see him as the creator maybe the team are lacking. Gareth’s always been one that has got that ability to pass the ball as well, he can play with his head up.

“In certain games, the other massive bonus for me and from a manager’s point of view for Jose, when you look along the bench you want game-changers and with Gareth coming in now, you’ve got Lucas Moura on the bench, possibly you might have Kane on the bench to rest him at times, you can have Son on the bench. 

“Mourinho’s got flexibility up there now which really Spurs haven’t had. Kane had to play almost every minute when he’s fit and I think that flexibility is going to be massive for Tottenham, it really is.”

Tottenham approach the fifth round of Premier League fixtures with seven points in the bag, having bounced back from an opening-day loss against Everton.

Mourinho’s side have played some spectacular football, scoring five goals against Southampton, seven in the Europa League against Maccabi Haifa then half a dozen in a stunning 6-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford before the international break. 

AFC Leopards interim head coach Anthony Kimani has revealed why Benjamin Ochan’s contract extension is magnificent.

The Ugandan custodian is the second player to have agreed to extend his stay at the Den as Washington Munene signed a two-year deal after initially serving on loan from Wazito FC.

Although AFC Leopards have been quite silent in the transfer window they have, however, already promoted Lewis Bandi from the youth team.

“The contract renewal is a big boost to the team as he is a very important member of the squad and arguably the best keeper in the league at the moment,” Kimani told the club’s website.

“This brings continuity and consistency in the team, an important factor as we push to better our performance.

“He also brings leadership, stability and guidance in the dressing [room] and he will complement our captain.”

Ochan joined AFC Leopards from Zambian National Super League side Kabwe Warriors in July 2019 and went ahead to establish himself as one of the regular members of the first team.

Before the season was cancelled in May, Ochan had already kept 15 clean sheets in 21 games. The 30-year-old goalkeeper stated his main aim is to help Ingwe win the league title.

“I feel Ingwe inside me and I am happy to be part of this family,” the Ugandan said.

“It is good to be in here and I am looking forward to being the best keeper in the league and also help my team win the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.”

Ochan was the only foreign player that remained at Ingwe after the rest left due to hard financial times. Soter Kayumba, Vincent Habamahoro, Ismailia Diara and Tresor Ndikumana all left before the second leg of the 2019/20 season began.

The former league champions had to appoint Kimani as the interim coach after Casa Mbungo left the scene too.

The 1998 champions are yet to confirm any new player ahead of the 2020/21 season where they will start with a game against depleted Western Stima.

Sources have, however, confirmed to Goal that Muzamiru Mutyaba, Fabrice Mugheni and Harrison Mwendwa have agreed to join Ingwe.

Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski is by far the best striker in the world and should be rated 99 on FIFA 21, according to Arminia Bielefeld forward Fabian Klos.

Lewandowski had the most prolific season of his career in 2019-20, scoring 55 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions as Bayern claimed a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble.

The Poland international found the net more than any other player in the top five European leagues, with Cristiano Ronaldo (37) and Lionel Messi (31) trailing in his wake.

Lewandowski has scored five goals in three Bundesliga appearances this season – a tally only bettered by Andrej Kramaric – and goes into Saturday's meeting with newly promoted Bielefeld following a double for Poland against Bosnia-Herzegovina during the international break.

Klos, who topped the 2. Bundesliga scoring charts as Bielefeld earned promotion to the top-flight last season, does not think it can be denied that Lewandowski is better than anyone in his position.

"Bayern have the strongest striker in the world, by far in my eyes," Klos told SPORT1. "Robert Lewandowski definitely has no weaknesses. Robert Lewandowski has no weaknesses physically, physically, technically or in the end of the goal.

"I am amazed that he didn't get a 99 at FIFA.

"Unfortunately, there are relatively few archetypal strikers these days, but if I could build one, it would probably look like this.

"I don't want to descend into idolatry either, but for me there is no doubt that this guy is the best striker in the Bundesliga, in Europe and in the world. It will certainly be very fun for our defence to try to keep him occupied."

Lewandowski has an overall score of 91 on the FIFA 21 game, with Ronaldo (92) and Messi (93) the only players with a higher rating.

Bielefeld are playing in the Bundesliga this season for the first time since 2009, and have made a solid start with four points from three matches.

Klos said of his team's start to the season: "On the whole, good. We can be satisfied. Apart from the result in Bremen [where they lost 1-0], which we didn't think was right, we have got off to a very reasonable start."

On whether they can stay up, he said: "Definitely from the three games, but the season lasts a little longer than just three games. We will be able to draw the first small interim conclusion in winter, during the non-existent winter break, at least after the first half of the season. Then let's see where we stand."

Former Manchester City star David Silva has confessed that it is taking some time for him to get used to the Spanish game again after moving to Real Sociedad in the summer.

The 34-year-old left Pep Guardiola’s side at the expiration of his contract in the summer, and despite reports that he was poised to move to Lazio instead switched to Sociedad in mid-August.

The midfielder, though, has not hit the ground running in his homeland as the more physical side of the game he learned in England, where he played more than 400 times for City, is proving to be a habit that is getting him in trouble.

“I have played four games with Real Sociedad and I have been booked twice,” he told The Times . “I think I may have a problem with the referees and I need to get back used to it!”

He said, however, that he had similar issues when he arrived at the club from Valencia in 2010.

“I came from the World Cup and barely made the pre-season,” he added. “When I arrived I saw football pass so fast. Everything was flying over me and there was no pause. I felt overwhelmed in some moments.

“I prefer to isolate myself with my people and don’t listen to the noise, but there are some comments that end up coming to your ears and I could hear: ‘This Spanish guy is not going to make it here.’

"After ten years I am very proud to have turned the tables in that regard. When I take stock of my time, I think that my bag is very full. Full of good memories, love, friends and trophies. I can’t be happier about that.”

Silva admits that he is surprised by the way that he grew to love Manchester.

“To be honest, I couldn’t have ever dreamt that Manchester left that mark on me, and surely I would not have told you that on the first day I put a foot in England,” he said. “My feeling was thinking, ‘Where am I going?’ It was summer and it was cloudy and very cold - well, a normal day in Manchester, you know.

“Back then City was not the giant it is now. It was kind of a familiar and close club and it made me feel really comfortable. It is a bit how I am. I loved it and it made everything easier.

"There’s still something from that day, some employers that keep the same essence, but we grew up as a club. The fans and the people involved know where the club has come from.”

Silva’s next mission with Sociedad is a Liga match with Real Betis on Sunday, with his side having taken eight points from five games to lie third.

Charles Okwemba has stated Sofapaka FC have no guarantees of performing well despite bringing in big names for the 2020/21 season.

Batoto ba Mungu have so far completed the signing of Lawrence Juma from Gor Mahia, former KCB defender Michael Kibwage, veteran striker Paul Kiongera, Former APR Rwanda captain Isaac Mitima, Nigerian Michael Karamor, Michael Bodo, Roy Okal, and Kevin Omondi.

"Sofapaka have made good signings, interesting ones for that matter," Okwemba told Goal on Saturday.

"But, it will not be a guarantee that they will hit the ground running instantly, or whether they will challenge for top-honours. Sometimes football is unpredictable and you may think you are predictable but end up struggling. 

"Having stars does not guarantee immediate success.

"However, to be honest, they have done well in the transfer window."

The AFC Leopards legend has also stated Batoto ba Mungu will be a force to reckon with if new players manage to gel.

"Signing those players is a strong message from the 2009 league champions," Okwemba continued.

"It shows their intent; they are ready to challenge for the league title and in case the signed players click, they will make Sofapaka a very strong candidate for the title."

The former Kenya midfielder has compared the current squad with the one that won the league in 2009.

"Other teams in the league should be wary of Sofapaka, that is if everything goes according to plan," Okwemba added.

"It reminds me when they won the league in their debut season, every department had good players who were determined to take the team forward. 

"The current crop of players are more or less the same as that squad about 10 years ago. The only difference is that this is a new team and it needs time to gel."

The 2008 National Super League (NSL) champions will be up against Gor Mahia on December 9 and it would be an opportunity for them to halt what has become a poor record against the champions.  

In 2019, Sofapaka wasted a clear opportunity that could have propelled them to a second league trophy when they went down 2-0 in Kisumu. They were second on the table at the time and a win would have delayed Gor Mahia’s charge towards the title, thereby increasing their chances of becoming champions once more. 

The Nairobi-based club will start their campaign in the new season against KCB on November 21. 

Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow have handed Victor Moses jersey number 8 for this season.

The 29-year-old teamed up with the Otkritie Arena outfit on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Thursday with the club having an option to buy him permanently.

Following the completion of his move to the side, the former Nigeria international has been allocated a shirt number for the campaign.

“The general director of our club, Shamila Gazizov, presented the Nigerian with a red-and-white jersey. Moses has already entered the RPL and will play for Spartak at number 8,” read a statement from the club website.

Moses had previously worn jersey number 11 at Crystal Palace, Wigan Athletic, Fenerbahce, Inter Milan and for the Nigeria national team.

Spartak Moscow will be Moses' sixth spell away from the Stamford Bridge outfit since joining the Blues in 2012 from Wigan.

The former Super Eagles forward had featured for Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United before joining Fenerbahce in January 2019.

Moses then cut short his 18-month loan with the Turkish Super Lig side in January 2020 to sign for Inter in an effort to reunite with his former manager Antonio Conte.

Under the Italian tactician, he was also converted to the wing-back role and featured prominently for Chelsea as they won the Premier League.

The forward made 12 league appearances for Inter before returning to Chelsea but manager Frank Lampard revealed he is not part of his plans for the season, so he will now continue his progress in Russia.

Moses could make his debut for Spartak Moscow when they take on Brian Idowu’s Khimki in a Premier League game on Saturday.

The winger made 38 appearances for the Nigeria national team before his retirement from international duty after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 29-year-old was part of the Super Eagles team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.